Search

We propose one-dimensional hierarchical metamaterials (HMMs) that have simultaneously negative mass density and Young's modulus in the sense of effective properties. Frequency-dependent effective properties of the HMMs are evaluated by using a dynamic homogenization theory. By considering three necessary conditions for dynamic homogenizability, we verify that our proposed HMMs can have physically meaningful double negativity, whereas the conventional periodic structures cannot. In addition, HMMs yield the broader ranges of the frequency and the effective properties for double negativity due to the large number of geometrical parameters. By exploring all the possible effective properties of HMMs, we discuss whether we can design metamaterials with the opposite sign of material properties in nature, ultimately aiming at perfect impedance matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Currently, the commonly used dietary calcium sources are not sufficiently bioavailable to be used for eggshell formation or bone health in laying hens. Protected calcium, a blend of calcium and medium-chain fatty acids with matrix coating, may exert an effective absorption and metabolism ability for calcium consumption in the laying hen. Aims: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of protected-calcium supplementation on egg production, egg quality, and serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations in laying hens. Methods: In total, 144 Hy-line brown laying hens (25 weeks old) were randomly allotted to three treatments (8 replicates with 6 hens, 1 hen per cage) in a 10-week trial. Treatments consisted of corn–wheat–soybean meal-based basal diet with limestone (coarse limestone : fine limestone = 50 : 50) as a calcium source (CON) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% (P1) or 1% (P2) protected calcium in substitution for an equal quantity of coarse limestone. Data were statistically analysed using linear and quadratic contrast with the GLM procedure of SAS. Probability values of <0.05 indicate significance. Key results: At Weeks 31–33 and 35, the cracked-egg rates were lower in the P1 and P2 groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05; linear, P < 0.05) and, at Weeks 29 and 34, the cracked-egg rates in the P2 group were also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. At Weeks 26, 30 and 32, the Haugh units in the P2 group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the CON group. In addition, eggshell strength was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the P2 group at Weeks 26, 27 and 31–35. The serum calcium concentration of the P2 group was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of the CON group in the morning. Conclusions: In conclusion, a replacement of limestone with 1% protected calcium can increase eggshell quality. Implications: Protected-calcium supplementation can be used in practice for decreasing the breakage of eggs. Limestone is a commonly used calcium source for laying hens. However, it cannot efficiently satisfy the large requirements of calcium for the eggshell formation. The current study evaluated the effects of protected-calcium supplementation on egg production and egg quality in Hy-line brown layers. We found that dietary protected calcium can promote the utilisation of calcium and phosphorus to enhance the eggshell characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of mixer of protected feed additives (MFA) on growth performance, blood metabolites, fecal microflora counts and immune responses in growing pigs. A total of 150 pigs [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 25.61 ± 0.01 kg were used in a 4-week feeding trial. Pigs were allotted to one of five diet groups (basal diet supplemented with 0%, 0.35%, 0.75%, 1.50%, or 3.0% of MFA with 6 replicates per group and 5 pigs/replicate). Inclusion of MFA tended (P=0.085) to results in a linear increase in BW at week 4 and overall average daily gain (ADG, P=0.064). However, MFA inclusion had no effect on average daily feed intake or gain:feed ratio during the entire experiment period. When 3% MFA was added to the diet, reduction was observed for cortisol level (P=0.032) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.008) at 4 weeks after dietary treatments. The inclusion of MFA had positive effects on fecal score at week 3 and 4 (P=0.068, 0.023, respectively) and the count of Lactobacillus was increased at the end of week 1 and 4 (P=0.099, 0.014, respectively), whereas for E. coli decreased at the end of week 1 and 4 (P=0.043, 0.067, respectively). Type O antibody titres against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in growing pigs fed diet supplemented with MFA (1.5%) was significantly (P=0.008) higher than other dietary treatment groups. In conclusion, inclusion of MFA in growing pigs diet may improve ADG, beneficial fecal microflora counts and FMDV type O antibody titre after vaccination and reduced cortisol level, LDL/C and incidences of diarrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44 g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of xylanase on production performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microbiota shedding of laying hens in a 12-week trial. Two-hundred-forty Hy-Line brown laying hens (44 wk old) were distributed according to a randomized block experimental design into one of 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 6 birds each. The 4 dietary treatments were corn-soybeanmeal- wheat-based diets supplemented with 0, 225, 450, or 900 U/kg xylanase. Daily feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and damaged egg rate showed no significant response to increasing xylanase supplementation during any phase (P > 0.05). No significant responses were observed for apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, or gross energy (P > 0.05). A significant linear increase to increasing xylanase supplementation was seen for lactic acid bacteria numbers, although coliforms and Salmonella counts were not affected. Increasing the dietary xylanase resulted in a significant linear increase in eggshell thickness in wk 3, 6, 9, and 12 (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant linear increase occurred for Haugh unit and albumen height in wk 12 (P < 0.05). In summary, the inclusion of xylanase in corn-soybean-meal-wheat-based diets increased eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, albumen height, and excreta lactic acid bacteria count but had no effect on production performance or nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delamination of a circular thin film at micro/nanoscale is studied using the Kirchhoff plate theory incorporating surface effects in this paper. Bending of a clamped circular nanoplate subjected to a concentrated force at the center or a uniformly distributed force over a lateral surface is solved. The bending deflection is derived in closed form. The adhesion energy and its release rate for delamination are determined when surface effects are taken into account. The influences of surface residual stress and surface elasticity along with the film’s size on the energy release rate of debonding advance or interfacial adhesion of a thin film bonded to an elastic substrate are analyzed for applied loading or given displacements. Analytic results are compared with experimental data and satisfactory agreement is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed a film-casting technique to deposit thin ( ∼ 13 μm) layers of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) on the interface of carbon/epoxy prepregs, with the aim of increasing the interlaminar toughness. PLA patches with fractal shape were explored, based on preliminary results showing that the toughening effect increases when PLA is deposited at multiple scales simultaneously. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and 4-point End-Notched Flexure (4ENF) tests showed an increase in interlaminar toughness of, respectively, up to 80% for Mode I and 12% for Mode II. This is specially remarkable because the interface thickness is only 13 μm. Moreover, it was demonstrated that this technique can promote interaction between neighbouring layers where PLA has been cast, thus triggering fibre bridging and leading to a further enhancement of toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the perspective of recent bauxite mining in Malaysia, this review aims to identify the potential environmental and health impacts on miners and surrounding communities. The environmental issues of bauxite mining include, air, water and soil pollution due to bauxite dust; leaching of bauxite into water sources resulting in reduced soil fertility as well as affecting agricultural food products and aquatic life. Bauxite occupational exposure affects the health of miners, and has negative consequences on the health of surrounding communities, such as increased respiratory symptoms, contamination of drinking water, other potential health risks from ingestion of bauxite and heavy metals, including noise-induced hearing loss and mental stress. This review discusses the processes of bauxite mining, its constituents and residual trace elements, and their impact on the environment and health of exposed workers and communities. It also explores the Malaysian legal requirements and standards of occupational exposure to bauxite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the properties of A-type GABA receptor (GABA A receptor) currents in human sensory neurons. Neurons were obtained from adult organ donors. GABA A currents were recorded in isolated neurons. Both large inactivating low-affinity currents and smaller persistent high-affinity currents were present in all of the 129 neurons studied from 15 donors. The kinetics of human GABA A currents were slower than those in rat sensory neurons. GABA currents were completely blocked by bicuculline (10 μM), and persistent currents were activated by the δ-subunit-preferring agonist, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol (THIP). The GABA current equilibrium potential was ∼20 mV more hyperpolarized than in rat neurons. Both low- and high-affinity currents were increased by inflammatory mediators but via different second messenger pathways. These results highlight potentially important species differences in the properties of ion channels present in their native environment and suggest the use of human sensory neurons may be a valuable tool to test compounds prior to use in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics and histories of the deltaic deposits in geotechnical perspective are studied. Geotechnical issues of clay deposits under floating foundation systems also analyzed. Theoretical expressions and parameters were examined by an experimental study and numerical analysis on the laboratory scales and field measurement in this study. Also, piled raft foundation on thick clay deposits is designated to optimize pile configuration. The predictions of settlements of piled rafts foundation are proposed based on pile dimensions by utilizing a normalized Ap/nL and Bg/Br. Practical design of piled raft foundations is made for the light bridges and five story buildings on thick clay deposits to discuss the long-term settlement, and it is found that the piled raft is well applicable and effective on thick clay deposits, and that differential settlements of the foundation should be managed by designing the configuration of pile lengths and spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 120 finishing pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 49.72 ±1.72 kg were used in 12-wk trial to evaluate the effects of protected organic acids on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal micro flora, meat quality and fecal gas emission. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments (10 replication pens with 4 pigs per pen) in a randomly complete block design based on their initial BW. Each dietary treatment consisted of: Control (CON/basal diet), OA1 (basal diet+0.1% organic acids) and OA2 (basal diet+0.2% organic acids). Dietary treatment with protected organic acid blends linearly improved (p<0.001) average daily gain during 0 to 6 week, 6 to 12 week as well as overall with the increase in their inclusion level in the diet. The dry matter, N, and energy digestibility was higher (linear effect, p<0.001) with the increase in the dose of protected organic acid blends during 12 week. During week 6, a decrease (linear effect, p = 0.01) in fecal ammonia contents was observed with the increase in the level of protected organic acid blends on d 3 and d 5 of fermentation. Moreover, acetic acid emission decreased linearly (p = 0.02) on d7 of fermentation with the increase in the level of protected organic acid blends. During 12 weeks, linear decrease (p<0.001) in fecal ammonia on d 3 and d 5 and acetic acid content on d 5 of fermentation was observed with the increase in the level of protected organic acid blends. Supplementation of protected organic acid blends linearly increased the longissimus muscle area with the increasing concentration of organic acids. Moreover, color of meat increased (linear effect, quadratic effect, p<0.001, p<0.002 respectively) and firmness of meat showed quadratic effect (p = 0.003) with the inclusion of increasing level of protected organic acid in the diet. During the 6 week, increment in the level of protected organic acid blends decreased (linear effect, p = 0.01) Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts and increased (linear effect, p = 0.004) Lactobacillus counts. During 12-wk of experimental trial, feces from pigs fed diet supplemented with organic acid blends showed linear reduction (p<0.001) of E. coli counts and the tendency of linear increase (p = 0.06) in Lactobacillus count with the increase in the level of organic acid blends. In conclusion, 0.2% protected organic acids blends positively affected growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal gas emission and meat quality in finishing pigs without any adverse effects on blood parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of protected organic acid blends including medium chain fatty acids and different nutrient density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal noxious gas content in growing pigs. A total of 80 crossed [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc] growing pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 22.61 ± 2.32 kg were used in a six-week trial. Pigs were randomly allocated into one of four treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of nutrient density (high and low) and protected organic acid (0% and 0.1%) according to their sex and BW (five replicates with two gilts and two barrows per pen). Pigs fed high nutrient density diets had increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG0 and gain: feed (G : F) than those fed low nutrient density diets. Likewise, pigs fed protected organic acid diets exhibited increased (P < 0.05) ADG compared with pigs fed no additional protected organic acids. An interactive effect (P = 0.03) between organic acid and nutrient density was observed on feed conversion by pigs. Dry matter (DM) digestibility tended to improve (P = 0.08) in pigs fed high nutrient density diets compared with low nutrient density diets. However, nitrogen (N) and energy (E) digestibility was not influenced by the nutrient density. Likewise, protected organic acid supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) DM, N or E digestibility. Organic acid supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) H2S content from faeces on Day 1, Day 3, Day 5 and Day 7 of incubation. Low nutrient density diets led to a reduction (P < 0.05) in H2S gas content on Day 1 of incubation. No interactive effect on faecal noxious gas content was observed between nutrient density and organic acid. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of protected organic acids with a high nutrient diet improved growth performance and reduced H2S acid emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey adulteration is one of the major health concerns among honey consumers, it is essential to inspect the quality of honey. One of the methods is to characterize the honey by using the microwave reflection technique. A Five-Port Reflectometer (FPR) is proposed in this work. The microstrip Five-Port ring junction circuit was designed for multiple frequencies of 0.60 GHz, 2.28 GHz, and 3.47 GHz. The fabricated circuit works with an analogue-digital converter, open-ended coaxial sensor, diode detectors and computer to form a complete FPR measurement system. The reflection measurements were conducted on Honey Gold and Trigona Honey for multiple frequencies. The performance of the FPR in sparameter measurement was verified by Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). This study shown that the performance of FPR in term of reflection measurement has promising accuracy which is comparable with VNA. The FPR can be used as an alternative instrumentation system for characterizing pure and adulterated honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uranium(VI) adsorption efficiency of non-living biomass of brown algae was evaluated in various adsorption experimental conditions. Several different sizes of biomass were prepared using pretreatment and surface-modification steps. The kinetics of uranium uptake were mainly dependent on the particle size of the prepared Laminaria japonica biosorbent. The optimal particle size, contact time, and injection amount for the stable operation of the wastewater treatment process were determined. Spectroscopic analyses showed that uranium was adsorbed in the porous inside structure of the biosorbent. The ionic diffusivity in the biomass was the dominant rate-limiting factor; therefore, the adsorption rate was significantly increased with decrease of particle size. From the results of comparative experiments using the biosorbents and other chemical adsorbents/ precipitants, such as activated carbons, zeolites, and limes, it was demonstrated that the brown algae biosorbent could replace the conventional chemicals for uranium removal. As a post-treatment for the final solid waste reduction, the ignition treatment could significantly reduce the weight of waste biosorbents. In conclusion, the brown algae biosorbent is shown to be a favorable adsorbent for uranium(VI) removal from radioactive wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Would it not be nice to have an organic solvent nanofiltration membrane made from renewable resources that can be manufactured as simply as producing paper? Here the production of nanofiltration membranes made from nanocellulose by applying a papermaking process is demonstrated. Manufacture of the nanopapers was enabled by inducing flocculation of nanofibrils upon addition of trivalent ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence of insomnia among anaesthetists in Hong Kong. The use of sleeping aids, factors associated with insomnia and the effect of insomnia on work performance were also studied. We surveyed all locally registered anaesthesia specialists and trainees by post. The response rate was 50%. We found that the prevalence of insomnia among the respondents was 22.4% (95% confidence interval 16.7 to 28.1%). Insomnia was positively associated with the number of on-call shifts per month (P=0.002) and poor relationship with supervisors (P=0.009). Alcohol was the most frequently used aid to assist sleep, followed by zolpidem. The majority of respondents using sleeping medication obtained the drug over-the-counter, by self-prescription or prescription by colleagues. Only 4.3% (95% confidence interval 0 to 10.2%) of respondents suffering from insomnia had formal medical consultation for sleep disturbance. Insomnia was associated with increased subjective sleepiness at work (P=0.007) and subjective decline in work performance during both daytime (P <0.001) and night-time (P <0.001). However, it was not associated with the tendency to fall asleep at work. The results of this survey suggest that insomnia is a common problem among the anaesthetists of Hong Kong. By restricting the amount of on-call duty and improving relationships with supervisors, the prevalence of insomnia may be reduced and the quality of patient care improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IN ANALYZING THE CONTACT BEHAVIOR of a material indented by a moving punch, of much importance are the contributions of the moving velocity and material property. The present paper develops a smoothly moving contact model for orthotropic materials indented by a rigid punch. Based on fundamental solutions of each eigenvalue case, the mixed boundary-value problem is reduced to a Cauchy type singular integral equation by applying the Galilean transformation and Fourier transform. Particularly, the exact solution of the obtained singular integral equation is presented, and closed-form expressions of the physical quantities are given for a flat punch and a cylindrical punch. Figures are plotted to show the influences of the moving velocity, material properties and other loadings on the contact behaviors and to reveal the surface damage mechanism, which may provide useful guidelines for material's designing and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) after ankle sprains has been shown to cause foot and ankle disability. Although rehabilitation programs for patients with CAI have been performed in related studies, few researchers have studied overall performance including pain, balance, and isokinetic torque. The purpose of this study was to determine if a short-term rehabilitation program that addressed range of motion (ROM), functional muscular performance, and neuromuscular control, can improve the foot/ankle disability index (FADI), FADI-Sport, ROM, star excursion balance test (SEBT), and isokinetic torque for patients with CAI. Prior to the experiment, we investigated the principal injury site through an administered questionnaire on 236 potential participants, and selected 18 male subjects aged between 21 and 23 years. 9 subjects (rehabilitation group, RG) with unilateral CAI took part in the rehabilitation program for 4 weeks, whereas 9 subjects (control group, CG) did not participate in that program. The results were as follows; the RG significantly increased FADI, FADI-Sport scores, and ROM on the injured limb compared with the CG. Also, the RG had greater SEBT reaches and improvements in isokinetic torque compared with the CG. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a short-term rehabilitation program can improve functional limitations in patients with CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of a colour management system (CMS) is to keep colour across different display devices. For example, a CMS may be developed to preserve colour from monitor to print. Printed colours on paper can look different from colours displayed on a monitor. Soft proofing is to preview a printed colour image on a monitor. The International Colour Consortium (ICC)/ColourSync media profile based on scanner and colorimetric devices are widely used to match between printed and displayed colours. This soft-proofing feature is effective only when accurate ICC profiles of monitor and printer are available with proper lighting condition. In this study, the authors present an on-site monitor-print colour-matching technique for soft proofing that uses a colour-measuring camera when appropriate device and illumination characteristics are not readily accessible. The proposed method consists of two matching steps: one is the estimation of lighting conditions and paper reflectance and the other is the estimation of printer and monitor characteristics. Lighting conditions and paper reflectance are measured by a camera using a white reference patch. Printer and monitor properties can be estimated using a number of colour samples in separate colour components (intensity and chromaticity). A three-dimensional look-up table method is used for intensity mapping, whereas chromatic adaptation is performed by a 2×5 transformation matrix and gamut mapping. Experimental results with several test images demonstrate that the proposed method shows better colour-matching performance, in terms of perceptual quality, than the soft proofing implemented in Photoshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recanalization is strongly associated with outcomes after thrombolytic treatment. Cardiac emboli are known as better response to fibrinolytic agents because they are fibrin-rich; however, cardioembolic stroke itself is associated with poor outcomes and high mortality. Completeness of recanalization may therefore affect the outcome of cardioembolic stroke. We investigated whether degree of recanalization influences outcomes following fibrinolytic therapy in cardioembolic stroke. Methods: Consecutive stroke patients with relevant artery occlusions on baseline CT angiography who had received thrombolytic treatment were enrolled. Completeness of recanalization was assessed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade, which was compared between patients with and without cardiac sources of embolism (CSE). We also investigated independent predictors of poor outcome (modified Rankin scale score 3-6) at 3 months. Results: Of the 127 patients enrolled, 65 (51%) had one or more CSE. Although the overall recanalization rates (TIMI 2 or 3) in patients with CSE (65%) and patients without CSE (68%) were similar ( P = 0.710), patients with CSE were less likely to show complete recanalization (TIMI 3) compared with those without CSE (19% vs. 39%, P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis revealed that CSE was associated with failure of complete recanalization (OR 2.809, 95% CI 1.097-7.192) and was an independent predictor of poor outcome at 3 months (OR 3.629, 95% CI 1.205-8.869). Conclusions: In cardioembolic strokes, failure of complete recanalization following thrombolytic therapy was frequent and was associated with poor outcome after thrombolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TONG M.C.F., LEE K.Y.S., YUEN M.T.Y. & LO P.S.Y. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care, 170-178 This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of swallowing difficulties in irradiated survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 post-irradiation NPC patients after they had answered a set of self-report questions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim for analysis. Results of the self-report data showed that in response to a global question 'Do you have any swallowing difficulties?' eight-five per cent of the respondents reported a certain degree of difficulty. The qualitative interview findings, however, suggested that this figure might have been underestimated. Patient interpretations of swallowing difficulties had excluded part of the symptoms. Some respondents who claimed to have no difficulty swallowing, in fact, were suffering from oral retention of food bolus, regurgitation of food or liquids through the nose, and/or even choking. The risk of aspiration was generally neglected. Informants' concerns focused more on the threat of cancer recurrence, thus paid less attention to the radiation-induced swallowing complication. Respondents did not possess sufficient knowledge to judge their swallowing abilities at a general level. This study suggests ways to enhance patient-provider communication and health education to improve patient knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A steel has recently been designed to benefit from the deformation induced transformation of retained austenite present in association with bainitic ferrite. It has as its major microstructural component, dendrites of δ-ferrite introduced during solidification. The δ-ferrite replaces the allotriomorphic ferrite present in conventional alloys of this kind. The authors examine here the stability of this δ-ferrite during heating into a temperature range typical of hot rolling conditions. It is found that contrary to expectations from calculated phase diagrams, the steel becomes fully austenitic under these conditions and that a better balance of ferrite promoting solutes is necessary in order to stabilise the dendritic structure. New alloys are designed for this purpose and are found suitable for hot rolling in the two-phase field over the temperature range 900-1200°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The production of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering with provision of a controlled nano-topography remains a significant challenge. Here we have combined an ice-microsphere templating technique with thermally induced phase separation, and by taking advantage of interactions between hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases, lined the pore walls with bacterial cellulose nano-whiskers. The cryogenic technique we have developed not only allows the decoration of the pore walls of 3D porous forms with nano-whiskers but also enables the pore structure, interconnects and surface area to be controlled. Moreover our novel combined solvent extraction and ice sublimation route presented herein preserves the frozen-in structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the cross-sectional area of the femoral vein and its relationship to the femoral artery at two anatomical levels, in infants and children. Sixty-six subjects were allocated to one of two groups: infants (< 1 year, n = 31) or children (1–6 years, n = 35). After induction of general anaesthesia, the femoral vein was evaluated by ultrasound with the patients’ legs at 30° and 60° of abduction and their hips externally rotated. In each position, measurements were taken at the level of the inguinal crease and 1 cm below the crease. Hip rotation with 60° leg abduction decreased femoral artery overlap at the level of the inguinal crease in both infants (p = 0.013) and children (p = 0.003). Thus, the optimal place for femoral vein cannulation in paediatric patients seems to be at the level of the inguinal crease with 60° leg abduction and external hip rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: We investigated whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in acute-stage ischaemic stroke patients with small vessel disease (SVD) or large vessel disease (LVD) are correlated with long-term prognoses, based on the difference in NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores between acute and chronic stages. Methods: From March 2007 to May 2008, we evaluated patients who experienced an ischaemic stroke for the first time, defined as SVD ( n = 89) or LVD ( n = 91) using the TOAST classification. Serum samples were taken immediately after admission (within 24 h of stroke onset) to evaluate VEGF levels. After 3 months, follow-up NIHSS scores were collected for all patients. Results: Serum VEGF levels in the acute stage (within 24 h of stroke onset) were higher in the LVD group than in the SVD group and were correlated with infarction volume. The increase in serum VEGF levels in the acute stage was proportional to an improved NIHSS score after 3 months. After adjustment for covariates, serum VEGF levels in the acute stage were still significantly correlated with the long-term prognosis of ischaemic stroke. Conclusion: Serum VEGF levels are correlated with long-term prognoses in acute ischaemic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of acids on the removal of impurity from 2N grade silica have been studied using five leaching acids: 0.2 M-oxalic acid (pH 1.5 and 2.5), c-aqua regia, 2.5%—HCl/HF, and 1%—HNO3/HF. The presence of 39 impurities in the 2N grade silica and the reference material (RM, 5N grade silica) were investigated by neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods. Major impurities of the 2N silica were Al, K, Fe, Na, Ti, Ca, Mg and P. The fractions of the eight major impurities were 99.2% and 90.9% of total impurity in the 2N and RM silica, respectively. Among the leaching acids, almost all of the major impurities were removed effectively by the 2.5% HCl/HF leaching acid. All the major impurities, except for phosphorous, as well as 21 minor and trace impurities could be determined by the NAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring radionuclides (NORN) such as 40K, 226Ra and 232Th from 44 surface sediment samples collected from four desert regions of Chinese were determined to investigate the regional characteristics of the source areas of Asian dust. The radionuclides for 41 surface sediment samples collected from seven sites of the Keum River area in Korea were also determined to compare the regional characteristics with the Chinese desert area. The specific activities (SA) and the specific activity ratios (SAR) of the radionuclides were investigated for distinguishing the source region of Asian dust. The SA of 226Ra and 232Th as well as the SAR of 226Ra/40K and 232Th/40K were found to be useful to characterize source area and tracing Asian dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An off-surface visualization method using micro water droplets and a laser beam sheet was developed. The average size of the water droplets generated by the home-style ultrasonic humidifier was about 5-10 μm. This method was pollution-free, eliminated the problem of toxicity, and provided a sufficient density of tracing particles for good visibility. The method was successfully applied to a visualization of the complex vortex flow of a double-delta wing with strake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

16q24 is frequently deleted in multiple tumors including cancers of nasopharynx, esophagus, breast, prostate and liver. By array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), we refined a 16q24 hemizygous deletion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines. Semi-quantitative RT–PCR analysis revealed interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) as the only downregulated gene within this deletion. IRF8 belongs to a family of interferon (IFN) regulatory factors that modulate various important physiologic processes including host defense, cell growth and differentiation and immune regulation. In contrast to the broad expression of IRF8 in normal adult and fetal tissues, transcriptional silencing and promoter methylation of IRF8 were frequently detected in multiple carcinoma (except for hepatocellular) cell lines (100% in NPC, 88% in esophageal and 18–78% in other carcinoma cell lines) and in a large collection of primary carcinomas (78% in NPC, 36–71% in other carcinomas). Methylation of the IRF8 promoter led to the disruption of its response to IFN-γ stimulation. Pharmacological and genetic demethylation could restore IRF8 expression, indicating a direct epigenetic mechanism. Ectopic expression of IRF8 in tumor cells lacking its expression strongly inhibited their clonogenicity, confirming its tumor suppressor function. Thus, IRF8 was identified as a functional tumor suppressor, which is frequently silenced by epigenetic mechanism in multiple carcinomas.Oncogene (2008) 27, 5267–5276; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.147; published online 12 May 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nanocomposites with binary elements of poly (ethylene-co-ethyl acrylate)/carbon nanotube (EEAICNT) were prepared so that their thermal and electrical characteristics and morphology, not reported in any literature, could be measured. For the thermal characteristics, their thermal degradation and activation energy were measured by using the thermogram (TG) curve, which was obtained by a heating from 100 °C to 600 °C with a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, after maintaining a thermal equilibrium at each temperature of 25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C, 125 °C and 150 °C, their thermoluminescence was measured for 20 minutes. Then, the volume resistivity of EEA/CNT was measured by means of ASTM D991. Morphology of EEA/CNT was measured at 15 kV. First, with the TGA experiments, the thermal degradation temperatures of the specimens containing a CNT were found to shift to a higher temperature region, while activation energy values between 204 kJ/mol and 213 kJ/mol were obtained. Secondly, with the thermoluminescence experiment, the specimens containing a CNT were found to show a much smaller thermoluminescence than the specimens without a CNT. Thirdly, the volume resistivity was lowered as the CNT content increased, which is not enough to create a semiconductivity. This is thought to reveal that the melting blend method has a worse dispersibility than the solution method. Lastly, with the measurements of the fractured surfaces from the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) experiment, it was observed that the CNT was dispersed in the form of many lumps as its content increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous article we described the preparation and initial characterization of a novel submicron-sized HMX (sm-HMX). Using Raman spectroscopy, the sm-HMX was found to be the gamma polymorph and to be stable with respect to conversion to beta-HMX under ambient conditions for at least a year. Pressing of sm-HMX powder in a small diameter pellet press at pressures from 10,000 to 31,000 psi and 1- to 5-min hold times was found to promote the gamma-to-beta polymorphic phase transition. The fraction converted and rate of conversion versus time after pellet removal from the press were found to fit a sigmoidal curve, indicating nucleation and growth as a possible polymorphic transition mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of our ongoing nanotechnology research effort, we have developed a novel method for the preparation of submicron-sized HMX (sm-HMX) by a simple fast-cooling technique. Surface structure analysis of the sm-HMX by field emission scanning electron microscopy reveals particles that are oblong in shape with average width of ∼ 300 nm and length of ∼ 1-2 µm. Raman spectroscopic features in the 200-2000 cm-1 range and high-intensity powder neutron diffraction were used to determine the crystallographic polymorph of the sm-HMX. Comparison of the Raman spectrum and the neutron powder diffraction pattern of sm-HMX to literature data show that sm-HMX is the gamma polymorph. The Raman data also illustrate that the polymorphic purity of the gamma sm-HMX produced by our method is greater than 99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the performance of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score with two organ failure scores in predicting hospital mortality of critically ill patients. A total of 1311 consecutive adult patients in a tertiary 22-bed multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) in Western Australia were considered. The APACHE II score had a better calibration and discrimination than the Max Sequential Organ Failure Score (Max SOFA) (area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.858 vs 0.829), Admission SOFA (area under ROC 0.858 vs 0.791), and the first day or cumulative 5-day Royal Perth Hospital Intensive Care Unit (RPHICU) organ failure score (area under ROC 0.858 vs 0.822 and 0.819, respectively) in predicting hospital mortality. The APACHE II score predicted hospital mortality of critically ill patients better than the SOFA and RPHICU organ failure scores in our ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a local method of constructing piecewise G 1 Bézier patches to span a Bézier curve network with odd- and 4-valent node points. We analyze all possible singular cases of the G 1 condition that is to be met by the curve network interpolation and propose a new G 1 continuity condition using linear and quartic scalar weight functions. Using this condition, a curve network can be interpolated without modification at 4-valent nodes with two collinear tangent vectors, even in the presence of singularities. We demonstrate our approach by generating G 1 surfaces over the curve network which includes singularities at its node vertices and edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We had previously defined by allele loss studies a minimal region at 6q27 (between D6S264 and D6S297) to contain a putative tumour suppressor gene. The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase-3 gene (p90 Rsk-3, RPS6KA2) maps in this interval. It is a serine–threonine kinase that signals downstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. It is expressed in normal ovarian epithelium, whereas reduced or absent in tumours or cell lines. We show that RPS6KA2 is monoallelically expressed in the ovary suggesting that loss of a single expressed allele is sufficient to cause complete loss of expression in cancer cells. Further, we have identified two new isoforms of RPS6KA2 with an alternative start codon. Homozygous deletions were identified within the RPS6KA2 gene in two cell lines. Re-expression of RPS6KA2 in ovarian cancer cell lines suppressed colony formation. In UCI101 cells, the expression of RPS6KA2 reduced proliferation, caused G1 arrest, increased apoptosis, reduced levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and altered other cell cycle proteins. In contrast, small interfering RNA against RPS6KA2 showed the opposite effect in 41M cells. The above results suggest that RPS6KA2 is a putative tumour suppressor gene to explain allele loss at 6q27.Oncogene (2007) 26, 683–700. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1209827; published online 31 July 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Personality Disorders have been commonly associated with crimes in many studies. However, we seldom come across patients with Schizoid Personality Disorder who commit crimes in Singapore. Objectives: Here we discuss the features of schizoid personality that might be associated with criminal offences and the clinical and ethical considerations in treating them. Methods: This is a case report. We present a patient with multiple criminal offences who was diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder. We highlight how his schizoid personality features led him to offending and the challenges in his treatment. Results: A 43-year-old male with schizoid personality disorder was remanded for forensic assessment. He has a history of multiple criminal offences including criminal trespass, touting, public annoyance and harassment by taking photography and videography of students without permissions. He appeared indifferent with his offences and denied any wrong doings. He was assessed to have egocentric perception of self, impaired perspective-taking skills and cognitive rigidity. These could possibly contribute to and perpetuate his eccentric behaviours and thinking patterns. Prognosis for change is poor due to limited insight into the challenges his thinking and behaviour are posing him to. Conclusions: People with schizoid personality disorder rarely seek treatment due to limited insight. There is little data on the effectiveness of treatments. Psychotherapy can be considered aiming to increase insight and motivation regarding change. Ethical principles like autonomy, social justice and public safety must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional photonic crystal waveguide (PCWG) has been fabricated by constructing a large bulk of periodical rods (or holes) and omitting those on the desired optical paths. Thus the PCWG device usually occupies large area because of too many unnecessary rods/holes. In this paper, a simplified PCWG structure is described, which needs only three layers of rods on each side of the optical paths, to implement an ultra-compact optoelectronic device. Extra rods are eliminated. It is shown that the performance of the simplified PCWG is almost identical to that of the conventional one. The respective frequency responses of the transmission characteristics are analyzed by a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Synthetic model of a ceramic–polymer composite, in which thin layer of bioactive silicate ceramic is molecular-hybridized onto surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bulk, has been examined in the tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)–PDMS sol–gel system. A TEOS precursor solution of silica was subjected to hydrolysis and condensation on TEOS–PDMS precursor solution forming silica–PDMS hybrid bulk through co-polymerization, producing single large transparent crack-free monolithic hybrid bulk. Spectroscopic characterizations complemented with microscope observation showed that the surface of this hybrid was bioactive silicate, and that the surface silicate was successfully hybridized with the bulk silica–PDMS hybrid without revealing a distinct interface. These suggest a synthetic process of bioactive composites which have bioactive functionally graded ceramic surfaces on polymers, and thereby function with various polymeric physical properties as well as with ceramic bioactivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We characterized the biological function of G-120, glycoprotein isolated from the ethanol extract of the herb, Ulmus davidiana Nakai (UDN). G-120 has anti-tumor activity and significantly inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells, as measured by the thymidine uptake assay. In addition, MTT and trypan blue exclusion experiments showed that the G-120-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis may be due to a cytostatic, rather than a cytotoxic effect. Further studies of DNA analysis and propidium iodide staining revealed that G-120 induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, G-120 (100μg/ml) completely suppressed the binding of NF-κB to DNA and increased the cytosolic level of IκBα which prevented nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In addition, G-120 increased the expression of c-Jun, Fra-1, and Fra-2, but did not affect the expression of c-Fos. Collectively, it is believed that G-120 exerts an important role in the induction of apoptosis, suppression of NF-κB activation, and induction of c-Jun/Fra-1 or c-Jun/Fra-2 dimerization in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, G-120 could be considered as an anti-cancer agent, although further detailed experiments should be performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the epoxy elasticity factors were investigated by thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to improve toughness and reduce brittleness of existing epoxy resin. Dumbbell shaped specimens were made and tested at rates of 0, 20 and 35 parts per hundred resins (phr). TMA and DMTA temperatures ranged from -20 to 200 °C and TGA ranged from 0 to 600 °C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of elastic epoxy was measured by thermal analysis. Also investigated were the thermal expansion coefficient (α), the high-temperature characteristics, modulus and the loss factor (Tan δ). We analyzed the structure using FESEM and have found elastomer particles (elastic-factors) in the elastic epoxy matrix. We have made elastic epoxy by adding elastomer particles to existing epoxy. Generally, the toughness of elastic epoxy can be improved by changing the structure of existing epoxy of poor impact-strength. In addition, we measured the permittivity and Tan δ for investigation of the electrical properties of elastic epoxy. The permittivity and Tan δ depend on the elastomer composition. Namely, the permittivity and Tan δ increase according to the elastomer contents. For experimental analysis results, 20 phr was considered an excellent specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A learning automaton systematically updates a strategy to enhance the performance of a system output. The authors apply, a variable-structure learning automaton to achieve a best compromise solution between the economic operation and stable operation in a power system when the loads vary randomly. Both the generation cost for economic operation and the modal performance measure for stable operation of the power system are considered as performance indices for multi-objective optimal operation. In particular, it is shown that the S-model learning automata can be applied satisfactorily to the multi-objective optimisation problem to obtain the best trade-off between the conflicting objectives of economy and stability in the power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS), used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine, has both antioxidant and antitumor activities which are known to be closely associated with the polyphenolic compounds that it contains. In the present study, we purified a fraction from a crude acetone extract of RVS, named RCMF (RVS chloroform–methanol fraction), and evaluated its ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit cell growth. In addition, the active compounds responsible for the activities were identified. Results showed that RCMF contained an antioxidant potential and strongly suppressed the proliferative capability of B lymphoma cells. RCMF-mediated suppression of cell growth was verified to be apoptotic, based on the increased DNA fragmentation and low fluorescence intensity in the nuclei after propidium iodide staining, and also on the appearance of DNA laddering. Finally, EI-MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectra confirmed that RCMF contained flavonoid derivatives, including protocatechuic acid, fustin, fisetin, sulfuretin, and butein, suggesting that these flavonoid derivatives are the main active compounds responsible for the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of RCMF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents a method for controlling the number density of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by dc bias sputtering. The working gas was the mixture of N2 and Ne with a total flow rate of 30 sccm. It was found that the number density of aligned CNTs decreased as the content of Ne gas in the gas mixture increased. The field emission properties of aligned CNTs were measured. The lowest threshold electric field of 4.63 V/μm was obtained for the aligned CNTs with a number density of 2.4×109/cm2, which corresponds to 15 sccm of Ne gas. The result shows that there is an optimal number density of aligned CNTs for field emission since the field enhancement factor is affected by a screening factor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]